Senator Raffy Tulfo has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the shooting incident that occurred at the Senate complex on May 13, warning that the controversy has disrupted legislative operations and delayed several priority measures. The incident involved members of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (Osaa) and agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), amid tensions over an attempt to serve an arrest warrant on Senator Ronald dela Rosa in connection with the International Criminal Court's probe into the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign.
Tulfo Highlights Legislative Delays
In a statement issued on May 16, Tulfo expressed dismay that many important bills ready for sponsorship have been stalled due to the unrest. He stressed the need to restore order and public trust, saying lawmakers must uncover the truth to fulfill their mandate. "There must be a transparent investigation into what happened, and the truth must come out so our work can return to normal," Tulfo said.
Details of the Incident
On the evening of May 13, tensions escalated as security personnel locked down parts of the Senate building while armed law enforcement officers and Senate security units converged near the Government Service Insurance System complex. Witnesses and media personnel reported hearing multiple gunshots, forcing employees and journalists to take cover. Acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca later admitted firing the first warning shot, claiming it was to prevent further escalation.
Ombudsman Orders Suspension
The Office of the Ombudsman ordered Aplasca's six-month preventive suspension without pay to prevent interference in the ongoing probe. Investigators are looking into possible violations, including obstruction of justice, aiding a fugitive, gross neglect of duty, and failure to maintain public safety. The Senate initially refused to receive the suspension order and subpoenas for CCTV footage, though Aplasca later said the recordings were turned over to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Tulfo Backs Accountability
Tulfo acknowledged the Ombudsman's decision, noting that Aplasca admitted firing first despite the presence of civilians and media. "I recognize the Ombudsman's decision to suspend Acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca, who admitted firing the first shot despite the presence of Senate employees and media personnel who could have been harmed," Tulfo said. He also called for accountability for the NBI asset who allegedly returned fire. Tulfo emphasized that preserving the Senate's integrity must take precedence over politics and personal interests amid growing public scrutiny.
